DNAinsight: a web based image processing system for large scale RLGS analysis.

DNA methylation occurring within the context of CpG site in the promoter element generally correlates with transcriptional silencing, delayed replication, condensed chromatin and mammalian genome imprinting (Nature Genet 24:101-2, 2000). We have been focusing attention on Restriction Landmark Genomic Scanning (RLGS) method as the powerful experimental procedure which can used to determine DNA methylation status change occurring on a genome simultaneously. To support systematic analysis with RLGS method, we have developed the automated processing algorithms for two-dimensional electrophoretograms of genomic DNA based on RLGS method (RLGS profile). Our powerful processing algorithms realize the automated spot recognition from RLGS profiles and the automated comparison of a huge number of such profiles. To make systematic RLGS analysis more easy and objective, we equipped our automated RLGS image processing algorithms with a WWW interface and relational database which stores the RLGS profile images together with their accompanying information, such as DNA sample specification, two-dimensional electrophoresis conditions and so forth. The web based RLGS image processing system "DNAinsight" can be accessed via URL http://www.methylome.jp/DNAinsight/.